SteelSeries 3H Gaming Headset

Introduction

SteelSeries is a name well known in the gaming community, sponsoring some of the best teams in the world and supplying quality gaming products, from security software to keyboards. One of SteelSeries' largest lines is their range of gaming audio equipment, under the Steel Sound brand. We all know that a good quality headset is a must-have for any hardcore gamer, unfortunately most headsets do not come cheap, and those that do never fail to disappoint in the long run. This is where the SteelSeries 3H headset comes in, offering more 'bang-for-buck' than either of its bigger brothers, the 4H and 5H V2 headsets.

SteelSound 3H is a compact and lightweight headset for gamers who frequently attend LAN events, and expect high quality sound. With it's foldable design the size of the SteelSound 3H makes for easy transportation, even in the most crammed situations. The small size also means that the headset is very light weight, which makes all the difference when it comes to wearing this comfortable headset. With pads that lightly press on top of the ears and a light headpiece that keeps the headset in place at all times, SteelSound 3H is hardly noticeable when the sound start playing. A strong bass and crystal clear sound will help you determine where you can expect the next encounter with your enemy. At a very affordable price, everyone will now be able to buy a high quality gaming headset build for and by professional gamers.

The 3H's successors unfortunately failed to make any great impression on us here at Overclock3D, which I must admit has left me relatively skeptical about how well this lesser, cheaper model would perform. The previously reviewed headsets had also been designed with the help of professional gamers, which showed in the comfort and physical features of the headset, but not the sound. However, here at OC3D we pride ourselves on our impartial reviews and prefer to let the facts do the talking.

Specifications

SteelSeries' website has a fair amount of technical specifications for potential customers to take a look at:

Headphones

Frequency response

10 - 27.000 Hz

Impedance

50 Ohm

SPL@1kHz, 1Vrms

102dB

Cable

2 meters (6.5 feet)

Microphone

Frequency response

50 - 18.000 Hz

Pick up pattern

Non-directional

Sensitivity

-40 dB

Impedance

2.2K Ohm

Not exactly a far cry from the specifications of the SteelSound 5H V2:

Headphones

Frequency response

16 - 28.000 Hz

Impedance

40 Ohm

SPL@ 1kHz, 1 Vrms

110 dB

Cable length

1 + 2 = 3 meters (10 feet)

Connectors

3.5 mm

Microphone

Frequency response

75 - 16.000 Hz

Pick up pattern

Uni-directional

Sensitivity

-38dB

Impedance

2k Ohm

As you can see there are a few practical differences such as the relatively short cable. Other than that, the spec sheets don't exactly embarrass the 3H headset, especially when lined up with a £50 opponent.

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